Hand exerciser

ABSTRACT

A hand exerciser device, comprised of a body having a thumb opening, a plurality of finger openings spaced apart from the thumb opening, and a central enlarged portion interposed between the thumb opening and the finger openings where the body is fabricated from a gelatinous elastomeric composition having both sufficient stretchability for extension of the hand exerciser device by opposing pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and sufficient resistance for compression of the hand exerciser device by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and also returning to the original shape with release of the pressures, even after extensive repeated extending and/or flexing.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/013,730 filed Dec. 14, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercising a person's hand, and more particularly to a deformable, stretchable, and resilient hand exercising device.

BACKGROUND

Motions of the hand that are often used in the therapy, or rehabilitation, and fitness areas include flexion, or squeezing, and extension. There are conventional devices for flexion and for extension, but few if any devices provide for both of these motions. Various balls and shapes are used for flexion in the therapy and fitness markets. Extension devices are predominantly used in the therapy field, and many include rubber bands stretched around a series of posts.

There is a dearth of single devices that can effectively work all the muscles in the hand. Separate exercises using multiple devices may be necessary to satisfactorily develop complete hand functionality. In addition, in the case of geriatric and arthritic patients, traditional squeeze ball devices are frequently dropped by patients, requiring physical therapists to retrieve the dropped device.

Hand exerciser devices are used by individuals who are looking to strengthen and tone their muscles in addition to the rehabilitation of patients with a wide variety of physical ailments. Subsequent to an injury or surgical procedure, a patient under the care of physicians, physical therapists, and/or trainers is guided through a series of exercises using a wide variety of devices, including hand exerciser devices, which offer differing degrees of resistance for any targeted muscle groups.

There is a need for a hand exerciser device which allows a user to practice both flexion and extension during conventional use resulting in greater efficiency, comfort and a decrease in slippage during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hand exerciser device, comprised of a body having a thumb opening, a plurality of finger openings spaced apart from the thumb opening, and a central enlarged portion interposed between the thumb opening and the finger openings where the body is fabricated from a gelatinous elastomeric composition having both sufficient stretchability for extension of the hand exerciser device by opposing pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and sufficient resistance for compression of the hand exerciser device by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and also returning to the original shape with release of the pressures, even after extensive repeated extending and/or flexing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front or back view of the hand exerciser device.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the hand exerciser device.

FIG. 3 is a profile view of the hand exerciser device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hand exerciser device in use.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hand exerciser device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, a hand exerciser device 10 according to the present invention has a body 15 which is substantially planar, one opening for a thumb 20, four openings for fingers 30, and an enlarged central portion 40. Fewer or additional openings for fingers 30 may be provided. The thumb opening 20 is spaced from the finger openings 30, which are proximate to each other generally in a row in the embodiment shown. Placement of the openings 20, 30 may be altered based on the needs of an individual. The planform shape of the hand exerciser device 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is generally triangular, but may be any shape as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to elliptical, oblong, or circular. The enlarged central portion 40 of the body 15 may be positioned to be generally in the palm of the hand of the user when the hand exerciser device 10 is in flexion.

A hand exerciser device 10 may provide strengthening and rehabilitation to the hand and/or forearm, and may be provided in a variety of sizes and resistance levels to fit various hand sizes and user needs. Under the direction of a physician, physical therapist, and/or trainer, the proper hand exerciser device 10 device parameters can be custom fitted to the patient. Strengthening may be facilitated with flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and grip. The hand exerciser device 10 may also be used to exercise the wrist and arms with twisting action. The color or shading of the material may be used to indicate the level of resistance offered by the hand exerciser device 10.

Body 15 provides a stable foundation for the hand exerciser device 10. Thumb opening 20 is an opening through the body 15 where a user or patient may place their thumb when using the hand exerciser device 10. Finger opening 30 is an opening through the body 15 where a user or patient may place their finger when using the hand exerciser device 10. Central enlarged portion 40 is located between a thumb opening 20 and a plurality of finger openings 30 which emanates outward from the body 15 of the hand exerciser device 10.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a hand exerciser device 10 is provided that includes a body 15 with one thumb opening 20 and at least one opening for another digit 30. The body 15 may be substantially planar on the periphery, of a varying shape and size, with an enlarged central portion 40 also of varying shape, size, and texture.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a hand exerciser device 10 is provided which is comprised of a body 15 having a thumb opening 20, a plurality of finger openings 30 spaced apart from the thumb opening 20, and a central enlarged portion 40 interposed between the thumb opening 20 and the finger openings 30. The body 15 of the above embodiment is fabricated from a polymeric material having both sufficient stretchability for extension of the hand exerciser device 10 by opposing pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and sufficient compressibility for flexing of the hand exerciser device 10 by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger. The hand exerciser device 10 of the above embodiment will return to its original shape with release of the pressures, even after extensive repeated extending and/or flexing.

Polymeric material is a moldable elastic material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers. Representative elastomers may include but are not limited to chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), ethylene polysulfide (ET), ethylene-propylene copolymers ((EPM); organopolysiloxane (SI), polybutadiene (BP), polyisoprene, or polyurethane (PUR).

The polymeric material may make up a gelatinous elastomeric composition that is a mixture of a thermoplastic elastomer and an oil (or plasticizer). In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition may be a mixture comprised of a styrenic block copolymer and an oil, where the oil is in excess, by weight, of the copolymer. In another embodiment, the composition may be a mixture comprised of a mixture of one or more styrenic block copolymers and at least two oils. In still another embodiment, the elastomeric material comprises a styrenic block copolymer and an oil mixture of a first oil and a second oil where the first oil has a viscosity that is greater than a viscosity of the second oil and the second oil is used in excess of the first oil.

These gelatinous elastomeric compositions are elastic, tear resistant, and soft even when damaged. They may be able to be stretched several times their original length. They may have a Shore 00 hardness ranging from a low of 6 to a high of 30 on the Shore A scale.

The styrenic block copolymers, which are thermoplastic elastomers, have a structure normally consisting of a block of a rigid styrene on each end with a rubbery phase in the center. Styrenic block copolymers include, but are not limited to, SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene isoprene styrene), SEPS (styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene ethylene/butylene styrene), and SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene propylene styrene). These materials are commercially available from, for example, Kraton Polymers (Houston, Tex.). Exemplary Kraton (US) products include KRATON 1651 (SEBS). It is possible to use just one of these polymers or a combination of these polymers.

Oil or plasticizer generally refers to mineral oil or silicone (dimethyl silaxone) oil. The oil is mixed with the styrenic block copolymer. The heavier oils (i.e., greater molecular weights or greater viscosity) decrease heat deformation and processibility and increase surface tack. Such oils are commercially available from, for example, Crompton Corporation (Witco Refined Products), Greenwich, Conn. Exemplary oils include: BLANDOL white mineral oil, specific gravity @ 25° C./25° C. (ASTM D4052)—0.839/0.855; Kinematic viscosity @ 40° C., CST (ASTM D445)—14.2/17.0 (heavy oil), and SEMTOL white mineral oil, specific gravity @ 25° C./25° C. (ASTM D4052)—0.804/0.827, Kinematic viscosity @ 40° C., CST (ASTM D445)—3.9/5.5 (light oil). It may also be possible to use natural oils such as corn oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, fish oil, or cod liver oil. Other conventional additives may also be added to the elastomeric material which include, but are not limited to, UV-stabilizer, heat-stabilizer, antimicrobial agents, antiviral agents, antifungus agents, antioxidants, pigments, glitters, dyes, or combinations thereof.

It will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art that by varying the amount of copolymer and oil one can achieve an end product having different durometer readings. In one specific embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer may be white mineral oil-based, and may include 40 centistoke viscosity medical grade mineral oil, Kraton 1651 thermoplastic rubber, and anti-oxidant Irganox HP2215FF (from Ciba Specialty Chemicals) as selected in combination by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In another embodiment of this invention the device may also be fabricated of an elastomeric material impregnated with an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent to effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria on the surface of the device. Any antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms may be used. Examples of such antimicrobial agents include:

1. Metal salts, or like compounds with antibacterial metal ions, e.g., copper mercury or silver and optionally with addition nonmetallic ions of antibacterial properties:

2. Typical antibiotics, e.g. neomycin, soframycin, bacitracin, polymein;

3. Antibacterials such as chlorhexidine and its salts;

4. Quaternary ammonium compounds, e.g., centrimide, domiphen bromide, and polymeric quaternaries;

5. Iodophors such as povidone iodine, and polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I);

6. Acridine compounds such as 9-aminoacridine, 3,6-diaminoacridine and 6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridine;

7. Biguanidine compounds such as 1,6-di(4-chlorophenylbiguanido)hexane, diaminohexylbiguanide, 1,6-di(aminohexylbiquanido)hexane and polyhexamethylenebiguanide; and

8. Halogenated hydroxy diphenyl derivatives such as triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′hydroxydiphenyl ether) available under the tradename Microban® from Microban Products and suitable for use in the food industry; and mixtures thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial agent of choice is 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan). It has been found that this antimicrobial agent provides extended protection lasting the useful life of the product because the antimicrobial protection is incorporated directly into the polymeric matrix of the exercise device during the fabrication process and is more than a mere surface coating. Triclosan can be chemically bonded into the polymer's molecular structure while not significantly altering the physical properties of the polymeric material. As the antimicrobial agent is removed from the surface during use of the exerciser, additional active agent particles are released from within the polymer and migrate to the surface thereby providing a long-lasting antimicrobial surface.

The antimicrobial agent is preferably present in the exercise device in an amount of about 0.003% to about 25% by weight of polymeric substrate material, and more preferably from 0.01% to 15% by weight, and most preferably from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the polymeric material.

To produce the hand exerciser device 10 with the inclusion of the antimicrobial agent, the polymeric materials and at least one antimicrobial agent are mixed together so that the antimicrobial agent is uniformly and stably dispersed in the polymeric material. The antimicrobial agent may be introduced into the polymeric material by several methods including, as a dry crystalline substance; in a paste wherein the antimicrobial agent is mixed with a small amount of the acrylic material; or by means of an emulsion wherein the antimicrobial agent is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent such as water, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran and the like. After mixing of the components, the devices are formed by procedures known in the art. Examples of such procedures include compression and injection molding, solvent casting, thermoforming, and machining.

Other additives may be included in the polymeric material to enhance durability of the end product, flowability of the polymeric melt, and esthetics of the end product such as coloring, plasticizers, decorative agents such as glitter or pearlescent, evaporative solvents, and the like.

A variety of durometer materials may be used for the device as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The various resistance levels of both the center core 50 and the outer layer may be achieved by varying the amount of mineral oil and powdered elastomer. A higher resistance core 50, particularly applicable during flexion, is an optional feature. It may be desirable to produce the exerciser without the center core 50 of differing resistance if the hand exerciser device 10 is being marketed in the therapy business for progressive rehabilitation, whereas a stiffer core 50 may be desirable for use in the physical fitness industry for muscle toning and building.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the material to be used in the hand exerciser device 10 may be any polymeric material that has a high degree of stretchability during extension of the exerciser caused by opposing pressures applied by the thumb and fingers, while maintaining the desired shape at rest, and further, maintaining the proper degree of resistance, even after repeated extending. In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the material to be used in the hand exerciser device 10 may be any polymeric material that has a high degree of compressibility during compression/flexion of the exerciser caused by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and fingers, while maintaining the desired shape at rest, and further, maintaining the proper degree of resistance, even after repeated flexing.

Durability was tested on one embodiment of the instant invention by mounting a hand exerciser device 10 to a machine which both stretches and compresses the device by means of an air cylinder and a timer. The machine used for testing cycles one compression and one stretch each second, amounting to 3600 cycles per hour. The durability of the device was verified after 54,000 cycles, 108,000 cycles, 432,000 cycles, and 604,000 cycles.

In one embodiment of the instant invention, the hand exerciser device 10 exhibits a durability to sustain at least 200,000 extensions and/or compressions/flexions while still retaining the ability to return to its original shape. In another embodiment of the instant invention, the hand exerciser device 10 exhibits a durability to sustain at least 400,000 extensions and/or compressions/flexions while still retaining the ability to return to its original shape. In still another embodiment of the instant invention, the hand exerciser device 10 exhibits a durability to sustain at least 600,000 extensions and/or compressions/flexions while still retaining the ability to return to its original shape.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the thumb opening 20 and the finger openings 30 provide sufficient grip on a users thumb and fingers as to prevent accidental release and dropping of the hand exerciser device 10.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the hand exerciser device 10 may further include a core 50 disposed in the central enlarged portion 40. Additionally, a core 50 may include any novelty or functional inserts such as noise making devices, lights, counters, electrical charging devices to make the core 50 glow, and so forth. The core 50 may be included in the molding process of the hand exerciser device 10 as discussed below, or may be provided separate from the body 15, leaving the body 15 with a hollow center in the central enlarged portion 40 for insertion of a core 50. In one embodiment of the present invention, a variety of cores 50 may be placed in the body 15 by a user interchangeably, through an opening or slit in the body 15 near the central enlarged portion 40.

The device of this invention can be made by many conventional molding processes, wherein the flexible elastomeric material may be diced and placed in or extruded into a mold under heat and pressure and partially cured. The partially cured devices are then removed from the molds. At that point they have enough integrity to be handled. However, their durometer is much too soft to provide the necessary rebound characteristics. The devices are then subsequently cured to the desired durometer, for example by cooling in a water bath for 10-20 minutes.

In one embodiment, the exerciser may be injection molded at temperatures in excess of 300° F. in an aluminum mold that is temperature controlled by electric resistance heaters and cooling fluid from a recirculating system. The inner core 50 may be molded with a metal rod embedded therein. The metal rod then supports the core 50 in the center of the main mold during the injection process. The rod is then removed from the finished product. In yet another embodiment the core 50 can be removable by molding a pocket in lieu of the core 50. This provides for the use of core 50 devices that could not withstand the molding temperatures, and in addition makes it possible to replace the core 50 with other interchangeable cores 50 that may have different characteristics.

Notably, the devices can be formed in a wide variety of colors and sizes can be produced which range from totally transparent, to translucent, to opaque, and with varying zones of translucence and transparency along with opaque areas.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the hand exerciser 10 has a triangle shape and size of approximately 4¼-inch by 4¼-inch by 4¼-inch by ½-inch thick on the substantially planar portion. The central enlarged portion 40 may be approximately 2 inch to 3 inch in diameter. The finger openings 30 and thumb opening 20 may be sized according to an estimated diameter for users in general or for a particular user, and may be, for example, approximately from 5/16 to ¾-inch in diameter.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the hand exerciser device 10 of the present invention in use. Specifically, the hand muscles are in flexion, as it may be seen that the hand exerciser device 10 is compressed at the thumb and finger openings. FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the hand exerciser device 10 of the present invention in use. Specifically, the hand muscles are in extension, as it may be seen that the hand exerciser device 10 is stretched at the thumb 20 and finger openings 30.

In accordance with one embodiment of the instant invention, the hand exerciser device 10 is adapted to be attached to a stationary device to support additional exercising techniques involving the arms and shoulders.

The exerciser of the present invention may isolate metacarpophalangeal (MCP), distal interphalangeal (DIP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) extension. Reverse motion may be used to isolate MCP flexion. Functioning of individual digits may be isolated, or worked collectively through exercise by compression of the central enlarged portion, as well as through elongation and twisting. The finger loops may help arthritic patients maintain their grip on the device. The exerciser may float for use in conjunction with hydrotherapy exercises, and may be nontoxic, durable, washable, and kid-safe.

The present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit and the essential attributes thereof, and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the forgoing specification, as indicated in the scope of the invention. 

1. A hand exerciser device, comprising: a body having a thumb opening, a plurality of finger openings spaced from said thumb opening, and a central enlarged portion interposed between said thumb opening and said finger openings, wherein said body being fabricated from a polymeric material having both sufficient stretchability for extension of said hand exerciser device by opposing pressures applied by a thumb and at least one finger and sufficient compressibility for compression/flexion of said hand exerciser device by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and also returning to the original shape with release of said pressures, even after extensive repeated extending and/or flexing.
 2. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 wherein said polymeric material being a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group comprising: a chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), an ethylene polysulfide (ET), an ethylene-propylene copolymer ((EPM); an organopolysiloxane (SI), a polybutadiene (BP), a polyisoprene, a polyurethane (PUR), or a styrenic block copolymer.
 3. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 wherein said polymeric material being a gelatinous elastomeric composition being a mixture of a styrenic block copolymer selected from the group comprising: SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene), SEPS (styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene ethylene/butylene styrene), SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene), or combinations thereof; and an oil (or plasticizer) being selected from the group comprising: a mineral oil, a silicone oil, a vegetable oil, or a fish oil; said oil being in excess, by weight, of said copolymer.
 4. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 wherein said polymeric material being a gelatinous elastomeric composition being a mixture of one or more styrenic block copolymers selected from the group comprising: SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene), SEPS (styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene ethylene/butylene styrene), SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene), or combinations thereof; and at least two oils (or plasticizers) being selected from the group comprising: a mineral oil, a silicone oil, a vegetable oil, or a fish oil.
 5. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 wherein said polymeric material being a gelatinous elastomeric composition being a mixture of a styrenic block copolymer selected from the group comprising: SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene), SEPS (styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene ethylene/butylene styrene), SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene), or combinations thereof; and an oil mixture comprising a first oil and a second oil each being selected from the group comprising: a mineral oil, a silicone oil, a vegetable oil, or a fish oil; said first oil having a viscosity greater than a viscosity of said second oil and said second oil being used in excess of said first oil.
 6. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 further comprising an antimicrobial agent incorporated into said gelatinous elastomeric composition to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or within said hand exerciser device.
 7. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 having a durability to sustain at least 400,000 extensions and/or compressions.
 8. The hand exerciser device of claim 1, wherein said thumb opening and said finger openings provide sufficient grip on a users thumb and fingers as to prevent accidental release and dropping of said hand exerciser device.
 9. The hand exerciser device of claim 1, further comprising a core disposed in said central enlarged portion.
 10. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 having a Shore OO durometer of between 6 and
 30. 11. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 wherein said device being tear and/or break resistant, even when damaged.
 12. The hand exerciser device of claim 1, wherein said exerciser being adapted to be attached to a stationary device to support additional exercising techniques involving the arms and shoulders.
 13. The hand exerciser device of claim 2, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer comprises 40 centistoke viscosity medical grade mineral oil, Kraton 1651 thermoplastic rubber, and Irganox HP2215FF.
 14. A hand exerciser device, comprising: a body having a thumb opening, a plurality of finger openings spaced from said thumb opening, a central enlarged portion interposed between said thumb opening and said finger openings, and a core disposed in said central enlarged portion; wherein said body being fabricated from a polymeric material having both sufficient stretchability for extension of said hand exerciser device by opposing pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and sufficient compressibility for compression/flexion of said hand exerciser device by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and also returning to the original shape with release of said pressures, even after extensive repeated extending and/or flexing; said polymeric material being a gelatinous elastomeric composition being a mixture of at least one styrenic block copolymer selected from the group comprising: SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene), SEPS (styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene ethylene/butylene styrene), SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene); and at least one oil (or plasticizer) being selected from the group comprising: a mineral oil, a silicone oil, a vegetable oil, or a fish oil; said thumb opening and said finger openings providing sufficient grip on a users thumb and fingers as to prevent accidental release and dropping of said hand exerciser device; said hand exerciser device having a Shore OO durometer of between 6 and 30 and a durability to sustain at least 400,000 extensions and/or compressions.
 15. The hand exerciser device of claim 13 further comprising an antimicrobial agent incorporated into said gelatinous elastomeric composition to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or within said hand exerciser device.
 16. The hand exerciser device of claim 13 wherein said device being tear and/or break resistant, even when damaged.
 17. The hand exerciser device of claim 13, wherein the exerciser is adapted to be attached to a stationary device to support additional exercising techniques involving the arms and shoulders. 